Legendary Chi-Lites Singer, Robert Lester Dies At 67

Robert “Squirrel” Lester was a troubadour of slow dances and long kisses whose fans told him he was partly responsible for the births of their children.
The silky-voiced singer with the internationally renowned Chicago vocal group the Chi-Lites died Thursday of cancer at Roseland Hospital. He was 67.

He was born in McComb, Miss., where his tree-climbing ability earned him the nickname “Squirrel.” He went on to attend Hyde Park High School in Chicago.

Mr. Lester was with the singing group The Chanteurs in the 1950s. The group morphed into the Hi-Lites and then the Chi-Lites.
Their soaring harmonies contrasted with the gritty stylings coming out of other percolators of soul, like Memphis’ Stax Records.
Their biggest ’70s hits, “Oh Girl” and “Have You Seen Her” — penned by Chi-Lite Eugene Record — made women swoon.